County invests in ankle bracelets for alcohol monitoring

People ordered by Clatsop County Circuit Court not to consume alcohol will be required to wear ankle bracelets in the near future that track possible violations.

The county Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a contract Wednesday that will allow the Sheriff’s Office to kick-start the program. It will likely be implemented by August, Lt. Kristen Hanthorn said.

“That’s something we’ve been lacking,” she said. “It’s been an ask by our judges and our treatment courts.”

Daily costs to the Sheriff’s Office for using the product total more than $25,000 per year, according to estimates given by services contractor Vigilnet America LLC.